Jewish International Film Festival

Arts & Entertainment Film Festivals Screen

Mark Morellini
October 18, 2022

Image: Michael Banks Repeta and Anthony Hopkins in Armageddon Time. Image: film still

The highly anticipated Jewish International Film Festival returns to the big screen this year for its 30^th anniversary and there will be a selection of 52 feature films to choose from, many of which star prominent actors from around the globe.

The program includes cinematic offerings from 21 countries. There are 30 feature films, 20 documentaries, episodes from 2 television series, 3 acclaimed short films and in total, 47 Australian premieres, 1 world premiere, and 1 international premiere.

Candice Bergen and Dustin Hoffman in As They Made Us. Image: film still

“There is an abundance of brilliant Jewish narratives on screen this year and we’ve had the absolute pleasure of watching many films and series to curate this special selection of engaging stories for Australian audiences; tales that will move you, make you laugh or stay with you long after you’ve left the cinema,” enthused JIFF Artistic Director Eddie Tamir.

Anthony Hopkins and Anne Hathaway star in Armageddon Time, the opening night coming of age drama that also explores a family’s desperate need to chase the American dream. The pre-film event includes live music, drinks, and stuffed pita pockets.

David Hayman and Udo Kier in My Neighbor Adolf. Image: film still

The closing night film As They Made Us stars Dustin Hoffman and Candice Bergen, a drama that surrounds a divorced woman who is trying to reconcile with her dysfunctional family.

Moviegoers who enjoy comedies should not miss classic love triangle romcom Bloody Murray, a delightful ‘odd couple’ style of film that should have audiences laughing out loud. The film centres on ‘besties’ and roommates Murray, who is a film lecturer and Dana, a gynaecologist – will they fall in love?

Lovers of documentaries won’t be disappointed in Fiddler’s Journey To The Big Screen. Narrated by Jeff Goldblum, director Norman Jewison’s quest to have the hit stage play brought to the screen as a wide screen epic is explored. Uplifting and humorous.

“This season represents the best of the best in Jewish voices while showcasing stories embedded in Jewish culture that speak to universal experience,” concluded Tamir.

HOT PICKS

THE AUSCHWITZ REPORT – The true story of 2 Slovakian Jews who escaped from Auschwitz to smuggle details to the world of the systematic genocide of the Jewish in the concentration camps. But can this first released detailed account of the atrocities which is met with disbelief by allies be enough?

MY NEIGHBOUR ADOLF – Set in 1960, a grumpy holocaust survivor living in Columbia suspects that the notorious Adolf Hitler has moved in next door. Fruitless in his endeavours to gain proof he builds a ‘pretend’ friendship with his ‘alleged next door enemy’. A charming comedy.

PROPHETS OF CHANGE – Filmed over 6 years this documentary explores the lives of musicians from both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict who attempt to stimulate change through their music. Inspirational.